Who's looking at FJ Cruisers?

[ChuckB]

OK, I'll bite... I'm almost 26, just got married 6 months ago and I'm currently driving an '86 FJ60 which is not in the best condition unfortunately. As mentioned early I'm planning on having kids in the next couple years and trying to weigh practicality vs. wants and needs and approval from the "boss". So safety is a big factor that I have to consider as well, which the 60 doesn't necessarily excel at.
Wife also mentioneds that she didn't like it in the Smurf Blue but is willing to see it in other colors...
I've contemplated a 100, 80 another 60 and now FJC.
It seems like I yo-yo back and forth between the different models depending on which day of the week it is. We all know the pro/cons between the 60/80/100.
The price of the FJC is definitely one factor that is keeping me interested in it. Normally, I wouldn't consider buying a new car, but in this case being a TOY and reading all the positive reviews that are coming out I'm keeping my eye out on the FJC.
I have seen it in person at the San Diego Auto show and it does look a lot better in person (even in Blue). The one thing to me that is does lack is the Soul of a 60 or even 80. Granted it is obviously a new vehcile but to me the retro styling doesn't give it soul. I'm sure it will grow on us over time...
I too wish that I could "easily" obtain a diesel cruiser. ( i know this is another whole thread in its self).
So bottom line... To me the FJC is a REALLY good overall package for practicality, reliability, safety, value etc. Something about it draws me to it.
And if I get one you better believe its getting a snorkle and lift asap!!!

 

[hammer1]

You're kidding, right? Have you not seen the area on the toyota.com site? It has pics of some of the 'press' activities it's held, including pics AND video of the Rubicon (which was a lot of fun I might add!). There's even a header over the Forum to get you there. Check it all out my friend.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/future/fj_cruiser/index.html?s_van=GM_FUTURE_FJ_LANDING_BULLETIN

Dan.

what i meant was, there is no mention, at least that i could see, of any sort of availability.

 

[et3surge]

Well obviously the interest in it continues, and dealers will have to get on the ball, I bet when the PT Cruiser was coming out, dealers had lots of info prior to the arrival because of the mass interest.

Chuck B you said: Granted it is obviously a new vehcile but to me the retro styling doesn't give it soul.

I actually disagree with this part of the marketing of the FJC, I believe it is very modern design, with hints of an older grandad's influence in the look of the vehicle. You can see the Genes but it's not like the 67 mustang you see in the new ones...

 

[et3surge]

here is what I had to tell Toyota

You can speak to them as wel at http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/ask_intercept.php

I would like you to know that although I probably will still purchase an FJ Cruiser I am thoroughly disappointed with some of the sales staff at many of the dealers here in South Florida. I have been to 2 dealers and called 2 others and asked for information about delivery or expeted delivery of the new FJ. I probably could have accepted an "I don't know" but instead I got a glazed over look from many sales people and in a few cases they said "no, there is nothing like that coming but may the new Yaris will interest you..." can you imagine the look on my face when told that I might be interested in the Yaris instead of the FJ?? I currently own an FJ 60 87 model and and am avid Cruiser fan, but this kind of answer would disway others not as inclined as myslef. I believe in your product, I don't need them to answer technical questions but come on..those were lame responses. Good luck with your sales goals. If you want to gauge interest look on many Cruiser forums, you will see the same reactions around the country about your dealers knowledge of the vehicle.

Thanks for my FJ 60.
By the way you don't even list it here as an option to talk to you about...see below make and model!

I checked again and the make and model is listing it in the 2007 section so maybe we won't even see one yet for a while!

 

[ducktapeguy]

I'm looking to purchase an FJ cruiser probably next year. I kinda fit into three of those catagories, so I dunno which suits me more. I don't think soccer mom's are really gonna consider it after looking at the backseat. Just too small to really hold people. I'm probably the perfect target for the toyota marketing, single outdoorsy male, but old enough to have a decent job that can afford a car like this. I don't think they're really marketing this as a hardcore offroading vehicle, so all those people wishing for a solid axle are probably gonna be disappointed. I actually prefer it with the IFS, just because this would be more of a daily driver with some decent off-road capability, rather than a turnkey trail rig that can drive on the street.

I also agree with aamiggia, most of the outdoors people aren't driving the jeeps or hummers or land rovers. They can usually be found in old volvo or subaru station wagons, or beater pickup trucks. They were probalby too busy hiking or camping or offroading to realize that you need a "trail rated" 4wd vehicle in order to leave the pavement.

 

[ChuckB]

I actually disagree with this part of the marketing of the FJC, I believe it is very modern design, with hints of an older grandad's influence in the look of the vehicle. You can see the Genes but it's not like the 67 mustang you see in the new ones...

I agree, which is why I also said that I think it will grow on us over time...

 

[et3surge]

I agree, which is why I also said that I think it will grow on us over time...

Same for me.
I think the description of your 86 is the same for mine LOL

 

[ChuckB]

that's the only hard part about buying the FJC I don't want to give up my 60!!!

 

[et3surge]

No chance here, I have no reason to, it's not like a dealer will give much for it (they may even think it's an older model Yaris LOL), I can save the same amount I would get for it to put down cash.

 

[4XFORE]

If these things are sitting around on street corners and being spotted driving down the road, then why aren't they showing up at dealerships yet?

Anyone's local dealer have one?? Any recent (and definitive) release date??

i read it on the news paper today. end of march 2006

 

[ChuckB]

I sat the wife down today and showed her the picts of a non-blue FJC. She said she really liked the silver color, WHO HOO!! Should I be worried that she also said it was cute... One good thing to come out of it was that I asked her the first thing that it needs if we get one, and she replied (no joke) Lift, snorkle, bumpers. She has been trained well!!!

 

[et3surge]

Did any of you see the Detroit Auto Show on this weekend with the new FJC? Not bad coverage in about 10 seconds of air time...